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Begonia ferox C.I Peng & Yan Liu (2013) was rated as endangered according to Red List of Chinese Plants. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of B. ferox. The chloroplast genome is 169,114 bp in length as the circular, with the GC content of 35.5%, composed by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 75,887 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,105 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 37,561 bp in each. The genome comprises 174 encoded genes in total, including 114 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 52 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that B. ferox is genetically closest to B. gulongshanensis.

Begonia ferox C.I Peng & Yan Liu (2013) was rated as endangered according to Red List of Chinese Plants. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of B. ferox. The chloroplast genome is 169,114 bp in length as the circular, with the GC content of 35.5%, composed by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 75,887 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,105 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 37,561 bp in each. The genome comprises 174 encoded genes in total, including 114 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 52 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that B. ferox is genetically closest to B. gulongshanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of plant species in tropical rainforests is related to specific abiotic resources, varying according to the occurrence microhabitat of each species. Light quality is the main abiotic factor influencing germination of small seeds; however, studies often do not discriminate its effect from that of light irradiance. This study compared specific requirements for seed germination of ten small‐seeded species, with restricted occurrence in only one of three contrasting microhabitats: forest understorey, edge of clearings and open areas.Laboratory experiments were carried out to test temperature regime (constant or fluctuating), light quality (R:FR) and light irradiance (PAR), which reproduce high and low conditions commonly found in the microhabitats.Seed germination of all species occurred between 20 and 30 °C, only seeds of open area species were able to germinate at 35 °C and no species required alternating temperatures to germinate. Irrespective of species and microhabitat, a decrease in the R:FR reduced the germination percentage; however, there were differences in the capacity to germinate at low R:FR. The values of R:FR50% were higher for open area and edge species (0.441–0.345) than for understorey species (0.181–0.109), with few exceptions. For all species and most of the tests, germination was not influenced by PAR.Light quality is the most important light signal for germination of small seeds; irradiance has little effect. Our results suggest two distinct patterns of germination for small‐seeded species: open area and edge species are light‐demanding and require high R:FR to germinate, while understorey species are shade‐tolerant and germinate at low R:FR. These differences are responsible for distinct microhabitat occurrence and help to explain the coexistence of species in tropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solomon Islands in Melanesian region of South Pacific lie in an equatorial climate and harbour diverse habitats covered by forests. Based on field surveys and specimens examination, six Begonia species were confirmed from the Solomon Islands, and a key of the species is provided for identification. Besides the two widespread species, B. somervillei Hemsl. and B. weigallii Hemsl., four new species, B. choiseulensis, B. occulta, B. phycoduroides and B. rubroflabellata, are described and illustrated. All species belong to sect. Petermannia, and five are endemic to the Solomon Islands. Their conservation status following IUCN criteria are also assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Begonia are collected and described for the flora of Bhutan--panchtharensis and gemmipara. A detailed description, ecology, distribution, notes and photographs of the recorded species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia comprises at least 1850 species, most of which are local endemics. The greatest genus diversity is observed in tropical zone of America and Asia with particular rich area in Indochinese Peninsula. Meanwhile, the inventory of the genus in this region remains far from acceptable completing. Until recently, only 20 species were documented in Laos. Two more species are described here. Both are local endemics found in small sporadic limestone formations in central Laos. The first species, B. quadripetiolata (expectedly sect. Platycentrum) is endemic of Vientiane province (Vang Vieng district). In morphology of staminate flowers, it allies to B. subhowii described from southeastern Yunnan. From B. subhowii and related B. howii, new species differs in larger leaves, entire leaf margin, leaf petiole quadrate in cross section and very small, caducous inflorescence bracts. Leaf petiole quadrate in cross section, is unique character in the genus. The second species, B. tatianae (sect. Diploclinium) named after its discoverer and grower – Mrs. Tatiana Maisak, allies to B. cladotricha, B. gesneriifolia and B. hinnamnoensis originated from limestone formations associated with Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area (central Laos and Vietnam). From allied species, our plant differs in miniature habit, glabrous leaves above dark green, with large diffuse white spot (with small white crystalloid bodies), few stamens, pistillate flowers normally having 4 tepals and ovary bearing wings of distinctly unequal size. Both described species represent characteristic native element of aboriginal limestone flora of lowland karstic formations in central part of Laos.

Begonia ludwigii Irmscher y B. parcifolia C. DC. se registran para la flora peruana, donde ocurren dentro de la zona biodiversa Amotape-Huancabamba. Ambas especies fueron originalmente consideradas como endémicas de Ecuador. Dentro de Perú, B. ludwigii es reportada de cuatro poblaciones en los Departamentos de Piura, Lambayeque y Cajamarca, mientras que B. parcifolia es reportada de tres poblaciones en los Departamentos de Tumbes, Piura y Cajamarca. Se proporcionan descripciones de B. ludwigii y B. parcifolia y se mapean y discuten sus distribuciones. También se presenta información sobre su taxonomía y estado de conservación.

Begonia duruisseaui Scherber. and B. rahajasoae Scherber., both endemic to the Masoala Peninsula in northeast Madagascar, are described and illustrated. They both belong to Begonia L. sect. Erminea A. DC. The former is related to B. tsimihety Humbert from which it differs by its fewer, larger leaves, with finely denticulate margins and a villous inflorescence. The latter is morphologically related to B. bogneri Ziesenh. and the recently described B. ambodiforahensis Scherber. & Duruiss., although it differs from both by the combination of very narrow leaves with clearly demarcated petioles and blades, which are villous and pilose, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia grandis Dryand (Family: Begoniaceae) was screened for its phytoconstituents and evaluated for its ethnomedicinal potential as an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent. The preliminary phytochemical studies of the B. grandis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, and steroids. Antioxidant effect of the methanolic extract was assessed by DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and hepatoprotective effect by CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. The extract showed significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects at a dose of 400 mg/kg similar to that observed in ascorbic acid and silymarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia phouchomvoyensis, a new species from Phou Chom Voy Provincial Protected Area, Bolikhamxai province, Lao PDR, is described and illustrated. It is placed in Begonia sect. Platycentrum, and is assessed as belonging to the Vulnerable IUCN Category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia daunhitam, a new species from West Kalimantan, Indonesia with strongly bullate black leaves is described and illustrated here, and details of the distribution, ecology and conservation status are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia austroyunnanensis, a new species from Yunnan (China) is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to B. subhowii in having short erect stems, obliquely ovate leaves and white flowers, but can be distinguished by its stem, petioles and peduncle having conspicuous, red, linear dots and the much longer abaxial wing of the capsule. A detailed description, data on distribution, ecology and an illustration are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia versicolor (Code: MK434325) is a perennial plant with unique and precious ornamental value, exhibiting gorgeous leaf morphology and graceful flowers, therefore, it is popular with many horticulturalists and plant hobbyist. The complete chloroplast genome of B. versicolor were reported in this article. It had a typical quarter structure as a circular of 169,506 bp, composed by a large single-copy region (LSC, 75,868 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,290 bp), and two inverted repeats (IRs, 75,258 bp each). Genome annotations showed that it contained total 185 genes, including 133 protein coding genes (PCGs), 44 transfer RNA (tRNAs), and 8 ribosome RNA (rRNAs). The percentage of total GC content was 35.57%. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Begoniaceae was closely related to Cucurbitaceae family.

Begonia fimbristipula is a plant of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. In this article, the complete chloroplast genome of B. fimbristipula was studied and illustrated to add more genetic information. The chloroplast genome is 169,436 bp in length as the circular, which exhibits a large single-copy region (LSC) of 77,058 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,128 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 37,123 bp in each. The overall nucleotide composition of chloroplast genome is: 31.8% A, 32.6% T, 18.0% C, 17.5% G, and the total GC content 35.5%. A total of 142 genes were annotated that included 91 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 43 transfer RNA (tRNAs), and 8 ribosome RNA (rRNAs). Phylogenetic relationship shows that Begonia fimbristipula is more closely related to Begonia pulchrifolia on genetic relationships using the Maximum-Likelihood (ML) method.

Since pseudorabies (PR) re-emerged and rapidly spread in China at the end of 2011, researchers have focused on effective vaccine strategies to prevent and control pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in pig herds. Due to the extensive application of an attenuated vaccine based on the Bartha-K61 strain isolated in Hungary in 1961 and the variation of the PRV strain, it has been suggested that traditional vaccines based on the Bartha-K61 strain offer only partial protection against variant strains. It was therefore evaluated whether the Porcilis® Begonia vaccine, which is based on the NIA-3 strain with deletions in the gE and TK genes, is efficacious against experimental infection with the virulent, contemporary Chinese PRV strain ZJ01. In this study, piglets were vaccinated with Porcilis® Begonia through either the intradermal (ID) route or the intramuscular (IM) route and subsequently challenged intranasally with strain ZJ01 at 4 weeks post-vaccination. An unvaccinated challenge group and an unvaccinated/nonchallenged group were also included in the study. All animals were monitored for 14 days after challenge. Vaccinated and negative control pigs stayed healthy during the study, while the unvaccinated control animals developed lesions associated with PRV ZJ01 challenge, and 44% of these pigs died before the end of the experiment. This study demonstrated that ID or IM vaccination of pigs with a vaccine based on the NIA-3 strain Porcilis® Begonia clinically protects against fatal PRV challenge with the ZJ01 strain., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Fei Liu reports article publishing charges, equipment, drugs, or supplies, and statistical analysis were provided by Nanjing Agricultural University. Lei Zhang reports article publishing charges, equipment, drugs, or supplies, and statistical analysis were provided by Nanjing Agricultural University. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In this paper, five new species of Begonia from western Sarawak are described and illustrated: B. cruentospirituna C.W. Lin, B. galaxia C.W. Lin, B. opaca C.W. Lin & C.-I Peng, B. suyenii C.W. Lin and B. zygia C.W. Lin & C.-I Peng. All species belong to section Petermannia. The materials studied were mainly from plants cultivated in nurseries and measurements made in the description were mostly taken based on images of living plants in the field. In addition to the taxonomic accounts, color plates, line drawings, and comparisons with phenetically similar species are provided to aid in identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Phyllocnistis Zeller (Phyllocnistinae) from the Atlantic Forest, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state of Brazil, are described. Phyllocnistis ourea sp. nov. is a leaf miner of Baccharis anomala DC. (Asteraceae) in the municipality of Montenegro. The other two species, P. phoebus sp. nov. and P. selene sp. nov. were found mining Begonia fruticosa (Klotzsch) A.DC. (Begoniaceae) and Drimys angustifolia Miers (Winteraceae) leaves, respectively, in the municipality of São Francisco de Paula. Information regarding the natural history of each species is provided. The specific status and phylogenetic relationships, including other members of Phyllocnistis, are inferred from DNA barcode (COI) sequences. Immature stages of the three species are typical sap‐feeding instars, followed by a final spinning instar. Differences found in pupal characters and the colour pattern of the fasciae of adult fore wings were stable and thus used to delimit these new species. Thus, five species of Phyllocnistis are now known from Brazil, four of them from the Atlantic Forest. For the first time, we recorded Begoniaceae as a host plant family for Gracillariidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

На основі досліджень колекції бегоній НБС виявлено, що група довгометамерних бегоній представлена 43 видами, у 12 видів відзначено товсті короткометамерні пагони. У колекції представлено 2 види бульбоподібних бегоній. Порівняльні анатомо-морфологічні та мікроморфологічні дослідження будови листка та листкової поверхні видів Begonia виявили низку макро- та мікроморфологічних ксероморфних ознак. Висвітлено основні етапи формування колекції представників роду Begonia в НБС НАН України; зазначено джерела надходження зразків у колекції. Проведено таксономічний, екологічний і біоморфологічний аналіз колекції. Визначено основні напрямки досліджень видів роду Begonia в умовах оранжерейної культури з метою збереження ex situ.

Begonia pulchrifolia is a perennial herb of the genus Begonia and is a near endangered species. Traditional morphological delimitation of B. pulchrifolia is sometimes confused with similar species; therefore, further systematic classification is urgently needed. To enrich the genetic information and guide its molecular identification, the complete chloroplast genome of B. pulchrifolia was sequenced and illustrated. The complete chloroplast genome has a total length of 169,589 bp, containing a large single-copy (LSC, 76,057 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,320 bp) separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IRS, 37,606 bp) regions. The overall GC content is 35.56%. A total of 142 genes were annotated, including 91 protein coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 43 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that B. pulchrifolia is more closely related to Momordica charantia and Gomphogyne cissiformis. This study enriches the genetic information of B. pulchrifolia and contributes to its accurate molecular identification.

Begonia guangxiensis was assessed as endangered according to Red List of Chinese Plants. In this study, we described the complete plastid genome of B. guangxiensis. The plastid genome sequence of B. guangxiensis is 157,648 bp in size, having a large single-copy region (LSC) of 86,514 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,076 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,529 bp. The complete plastid genome of B. guangxiensis encoding 112 unique genes including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the plastid genome is 35.9%. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that B. guangxiensis is closely related to B. varipeltata.

Begonia yenyeniae is a new species of horticultural value known only from the Endau Rompin National Park, Peninsular Malaysia. It is similar to Begonia rajah with which it had previously been confused in the number of tepals and leaf characters. The new species is compared with three similar species, B. foxworthyi, B. rajah and B. reginula and photographs of all four species and descriptions of B. yenyeniae and B. rajah are provided. Molecular analysis using the ndhF-rpl132 chloroplast marker confirms the four species as distinct. Amongst native species, the three variegated species, B. yenyeniae, B. rajah and B. reginula, are some of the most popular Malaysian begonias in cultivation. Based on its restricted distribution, Begonia yenyeniae, under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, is assessed as Critically Endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Begonia are described and illustrated from Hin Nam No National Protected Area in the Khammouan Province, Central Laos. Begonia hinnamnoensis Souvann. & Lanors. and Begonia khammouanensis Souvann. & Lamxay, both belonging to Begonia sect. Diploclinium (Lindl.) A. DC. The two new species are endemic to the Khammouan limestone karst. The provisional IUCN status of both new species is here assessed as 'Vulnerable'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Begonia callistemon Tebbitt & P. R. Stevenson, a new species of Begonia L. sect. Gobenia A. DC. (Begoniaceae) from Colombia and Ecuador, is described and illustrated. Begonia callistemon is compared with B. hitchcockii Irmsch., the only other species within section Gobenia that shares a large, showy androecium resembling the head of a bottle brush. Begonia callistemon is distinguished from this species by its basifixed leaf blades; pubescent stems, peduncles, and pedicels; narrower outer tepals in staminate flowers; fewer stamens; and pistillate flowers with five tepals. Resumen. Begonia callistemon Tebbitt & P. R. Stevenson de la sección Begonia L. Gobenia A. DC. (Begoniaceae) se describe e ilustra como una nueva especie de Colombia y Ecuador. La B. callistemon se compara con B. hitchcockii Irmsch., dado que son las únicas especies de la sección Gobenia que tienen un gran y vistoso androceo que se asemeja a la cabeza de un cepillo en forma de botella. Begonia callistemon se distingue de esta especie por sus hojas basifijas (i.e., pecíolo de inserción basal); y pubescencia en sus tallos, pedúnculos y pedicelos. Además, sus tépalos masculinos exteriores son más estrechos; tiene menos estambres y cinco tépalos en las flores femeninas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia medogensis JianW.Li, Y.H.Tan & X.H.Jin, a new species of Begoniaceae, is described and illustrated by colour photographs. Begonia medogensis is distributed in western China and northern Myanmar. It has erect stems, is tuberless, has many triangular to lanceolate leaves, base slightly asymmetric, margins remotely and irregularly denticulate; staminate flowers have 4 perianth segments, with outer 2 segments broadly ovate, inner 2 spathulate; pistillate flowers have 5 perianth segments, unequal, outer 4 broadly ovate, inner 1 spathulate. The new species is assigned to section Platycentrum and can easily be distinguished from the other species in the section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iridoplasts (modified plastids in adaxial epidermal cells) reported from Begonia were originally hypothesized to cause iridescence, which was broadly accepted for decades. However, several species of Begonia with iridoplasts are not iridescent causing confusion. Here chloroplast ultrastructure was observed in 40 taxa of Begoniaceae to explore the phenomenon of iridescence. However, 22 Begonias and Hillebrandia were found to have iridoplasts, but only nine display visually iridescent blue to blue-green leaves. Unexpectedly, a new type of plastid, a ‘minichloroplast,’ was found in the abaxial epidermal cells of all taxa, but was present in adaxial epidermal cells only if iridoplasts were absent. Comparative ultrastructural study of iridoplasts and a shading experiment of selected taxa show that a taxon with iridoplasts does not inevitably have visual iridescence, but iridescence is greatly affected by the spacing between thylakoid lamellae (stoma spacing). Thus, we propose instead the name ‘lamelloplast’ for plastids filled entirely with regular lamellae to avoid prejudging their function. To evaluate photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was measured separately from the chloroplasts in the adaxial epidermis and lower leaf tissues by using leaf dermal peels. Lamelloplasts and minichloroplasts have much lower photosynthetic efficiency than mesophyll chloroplasts. Nevertheless, photosynthetic proteins (psbA protein of PSII, RuBisCo and ATPase) were detected in both plastids as well as mesophyll chloroplasts in an immunogold labeling. Spectrometry revealed additional blue to blue-green peaks in visually iridescent leaves. Micro-spectrometry detected a blue peak from single blue spots in adaxial epidermal cells confirming that the color is derived from lamelloplasts. Presence of lamelloplasts or minichloroplasts is species specific and exclusive. High prevalence of lamelloplasts in Begoniaceae, including the basal clade Hillebrandia, highlights a unique evolutionary development. These new findings clarify the association between iridescence and lamelloplasts, and with implications for new directions in the study of plastid morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippine island of Palawan is highly biodiverse. During fieldwork there in 2011 & 2014 we found five unknown species in the large genus Begonia. The species are similar in their rhizomatous stems, four-tepaled flowers, inferior two- or three-locular ovaries with bilamellate placentas, and are assignable to Begonia sect. Baryandra. Our observations support the recognition of these as five new species endemic to Palawan: B. elnidoensis, B. gironellae, B. quinquealata, B. tabonensis and B. tenuibracteata which are described here. The five new species were added to phylogenies based Bayesian analysis of nrDNA (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (ndhA, ndhF-rpl32, rpl32-trnL, trnC-trnD), along with 45 other allied ingroup species. A majority of the species show incongruent positions in the two phylogenies, with evidence of prevalent chloroplast capture. Models show chloroplast capture is more likely in plant populations with high levels of inbreeding following a reduction in selfing rate after hybridisation; we suggest that this is a possible explanation for the massive amount of chloroplast exchange seen in our phylogeny, as Begonia species often exist as small isolated populations and may be prone to inbreeding depression. Our data also indicate a level of nuclear genetic exchange between species. The high prevalence of hybrid events in Begonia is potentially an important factor in driving genomic change and species evolution in this mega-diverse genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical plants represent hotspots of endophytic fungal species diversity. Based on culture-dependent methods, we evaluated the endophytic fungal communities in leaves of three plant species found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest: Begonia fischeri, Begonia olsoniae, and Begonia venosa. These species are found in two distant sites: a continental region and an insular area. A total of 426 fungal endophytes in 19 genera were isolated in pure culture including Colletotrichum (51.6% of isolates) and Diaporthe (22.5%) as the most abundant, followed by Phyllosticta (3.5%), Neopestalotiopsis (1.8%), Stagonospora (1.8%), and Nigrospora (1.6%) among the genera found in minor abundance. The diversity and composition of fungal taxa differed across plant hosts. Richness and diversity of fungi were higher in B. fischeri in comparison to B. olsoniae and B. venosa. Discriminatory analysis revealed that fungal communities are structured according to hosts, which means that each plant species had its distinct endophytic communities, but dominated by common fungal taxa. This is the first study to report fungal endophytes in begonia leaves and characterize their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pantropical genus Begonia is the sixth-largest genus of flowering plants, including 1870 species. The sections of Begonia are used frequently as analogues to genera in other families but, despite their taxonomic utility, few of the current sections have been examined in the light of molecular phylogenetic analyses. We present herein the largest, most representative phylogeny of Begonia published to date and a subsequent provisional sectional classification of the genus. We utilised three plastid markers for 574 species and 809 accessions of Begonia and used Hillebrandia as an outgroup to produce a dated phylogeny. The relationships between some species and sections are poorly resolved, but many sections and deeper nodes receive strong support. We recognise 70 sections of Begonia including 5 new sections: Astrothrix, Ephemera, Jackia, Kollmannia, and Stellandrae; 4 sections are reinstated from synonymy: Australes, Exalabegonia, Latistigma and Pereira; and 5 sections are newly synonymised. The new sectional classification is discussed with reference to identifying characters and previous classifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia versicolor Irmscher, a narrow endemic Begonia species in southeast Yunnan of China, is a wonderful ornamental plant with huge diversity in colored foliage. To investigate its variations, the genetic diversity and population structure were studied based on 56 individuals sampled from four localities using 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci transferred from other species of Begonia. The results showed a relatively low level of genetic diversity in B. versicolor comparing with other species of Begonia using microsatellite. Positive inbreeding coefficient (FIS) values were found in three populations (SWC, XPZ and DSD). AMOVA analysis indicated that genetic variations occurred mainly within populations (55.9%) rather than among populations (9.7%) and among groups (34.4%). Four populations were grouped into two clusters based on STRUCTURE. AMOVA and STRUCTURE analysis showed a high level and significant genetic differentiation in the populations of B. versicolor. Based on its genetic status and rarity in the wild, the sustainable in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies should be urgently carried out to protect this species with high horticultural and scientific values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2016, KIB (Kunming Institute of Botany) and CPC (Centre for Plant Conservation of Vietnam) have conducted several surveys in the transboundary karst regions in Northern Vietnam and Southern China and seven new species in the genus Begonia Linn. (Begoniaceae) are firstly described. Amongst them, two species, Begonia albopunctata Y.M. Shui, W.H. Chen & H.Q. Nguyen and B. erectocarpa H.Q. Nguyen, Y.M. Shui & W.H. Chen, respectively belong to section Sphenanthera with berry fruits and section Leprosae with clavate berry fruits; four species, B. gulongshanensis Y.M. Shui & W. H. Chen, B. minissima H.Q. Nguyen, Y.M. Shui & W.H. Chen, B. mollissima Y.M. Shui, H.Q. Nguyen & W.H. Chen, B. rhytidophylla Y.M. Shui & W.H. Chen, belong to section Coelocentrum with parietal placentation; one species, Begonia bambusetorum H.Q. Nguyen, Y.M. Shui & W.H. Chen, belongs to section Diploclinium with 3-loculed ovary and capsules. The diagnostic characters of these species are described and illustrated in the text and photographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia kingdon-wardii Tebbitt was rediscovered in 2014 from Myanmar after 67 years based on its last collection in 1937. Its previously unknown female flower and inaccurate morphology of leaf and ovary have been additionally described. This species belongs to Begonia sect. Sphenanthera (Hassk.) Warb. due to its dioecious habit, 3-locular ovary, berry fruits and thick placenta segments. Morphologically, it is similar to Begonia gulinqingensis S. H. Huang & Y. M. Shui in the leaf shape, placentation and fruit shape, but different in its dioecious plants, pliciform leaves, two-petalled female flowers and berry fruits. The rediscovery of this amazing living species will attract significant interest for scientific research and horticultural application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic divergence is one of the key processes in speciation. In the Begoniaceae, genetic divergence caused by limited gene flow may explain its high species diversity and endemicity. This hypothesis has been supported by past genetic work but there is a lack of empirical studies on the causes of limited gene flow. Aim: To identify the causes of limited gene flow in Begonia. Methods: We examined the genetic structure among the populations of Begonia maxwelliana at the macro- and micro-spatial scales using microsatellites, measured seed dispersal range and observed flowering phenology. Results: Population differentiation and structuring were detected at both the macro- and micro-scales. Dispersal range was short, and all populations showed similar reproductive behaviour. Conclusions: The strong population differentiation and structuring among the populations studied imply that they are evolutionarily significant units and possible candidates for speciation. Geographical barriers and limited seed dispersal restrict gene flow in the populations, and these factors may be responsible for the rapid speciation and large diversity in the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durante trabalhos de campo nos estados do Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais e Bahia, quatro espécies de Begonia foram coletadas e consistam em novos registros. Foram encontrados novos registros de Begoniadietrichiana, B. glabra e B. platanifolia para o estado do Espírito Santo e Begoniaadmirabilis para os estados da Bahia e Minas Gerais. São apresentados descrições, ilustrações, distribuição geográfica, mapas, habitat, fenologia, seções e diferenças vegetativas.

Diverse geological formations resulted in diverse terrains and varied microhabitats in Borneo where over 200 species of Begonia are currently known. The majority of Begonia species in Sarawak have a very narrow to moderately restricted distribution, and are often confined to a particular geology. An overwhelming number of new species were reported recently from Borneo. It was estimated that more than 600 species of Begonia occur in Borneo, which means that many more species are yet to be discovered and scientifically named. In continuation of our research on Sarawak Begonia, we discovered a number of unknown species of Begonia from southwestern Sarawak. Consultation of the literature, herbarium specimens and detailed morphological examination of plants in cultivation supports the recognition of eleven new species. Herein we name them as B. aiensis, B. dinosauria, B. hirsuticarpa, B. iridifolia, B. lawii, B. lichenora, B. magnicarpa, B. metallicolor, B. nix, B. superciliaris and B. wallacei, all of which belonging to sect. Petermannia. They are fully described and illustrated in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia fulgurata, a new species from northern Thailand, is here described and illustrated. Begonia fulgurata resembles B. integrifolia, a widespread species in Southeast Asia, in having tubers, erect stem with hairy leaves and a periodically dormant habit. However, the new species is sharply distinct in its lamina densely hirsute (vs sparsely puberulous) and with maroon patches and silvery white veins (vs uniformly green or with white spots); inflorescence densely clothed with glandular hairs (vs glabrous or puberulous); staminate flowers with 2, rarely 3 (vs 4) tepals; staminate and pistillate tepals glandular hairy (vs glabrous). As a deciduous species with basal tubers, together with an erect stem, ovate to broadly ovate leaves, 3-locular ovary, it may be mistaken as a dwarf plant of B. grandis, one of the most widely distributed species in China and the type species of sect. Diploclinium. However, B. fulgurata differs in its leaf upper side with fine silvery (vs green) veins; inflorescence densely glandular hairy (vs glabrous), staminate tepals 2 or rarely 3 (vs 4) and pistillate tepals 5 (vs 3), and ovary glandular hairy (vs glabrous). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Begonia luzhaiensis (Begoniaceae) to assess genetic diversity and population genetic structure. Methods and Results: Based on the transcriptome data of B. luzhaiensis, 60 primer pairs were selected for initial validation, of which 16 yielded polymorphic microsatellite loci in 57 individuals. The number of alleles observed for these 16 loci ranged from one to nine. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.000 to 0.804 with averages of 0.370 and 0.404, respectively. Five loci could be successfully amplified in B. leprosa. Conclusions: The expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat markers are the first specifically developed for B. luzhaiensis and the first developed in Begonia sect. Coelocentrum. These markers will be useful for future studies of the genetic structure and phylogeography of B. luzhaiensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia ferox C.I Peng & Yan Liu (2013) was rated as endangered according to Red List of Chinese Plants. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of B. ferox . The chloroplast genome is 169,114 bp in length as the circular, with the GC content of 35.5%, composed by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 75,887 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,105 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 37,561 bp in each. The genome comprises 174 encoded genes in total, including 114 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 52 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that B. ferox is genetically closest to B. gulongshanensis ., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Two new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Andean South America are described and illustrated. Begonia heliantha Tebbitt is classified in B. sect. Eupetalum and is known from the Puno Region of Peru and has also been tentatively identified from photographs taken in La Paz Department of Bolivia. Begonia urubambensis Tebbitt is affiliated with a group of species currently classified in B. sect. Knesebeckia. This group of species is informally named here the B. acerifolia group. Begonia sect. Knesebeckia is polyphyletic since the B. acerifolia group does not include the type species of the section. Ongoing research aims to recircumscribe this section. Begonia urubambensis is not assigned to a section given the changes needed to the sectional classification system. Begonia urubambensis is a narrow endemic of La Convención Province (Cusco Region) of Peru. Begonia heliantha is assigned the IUCN category of Data Deficient (DD), while B. urubambensis is assigned the IUCN category of Vulnerable (VU-D2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Darwin's observation that secondary woodiness is common on islands, the evolution of woody plants from herbaceous ancestors has been documented in numerous angiosperm groups. However, the evolutionary processes that give rise to this phenomenon are poorly understood. To begin addressing this we have used a range of approaches to study the anatomical and genetic changes associated with the evolution and development of secondary woodiness in a tractable group. Begonia is a large, mainly herbaceous, pantropical genus that shows multiple shifts towards secondarily woody species inhabiting mainly tropical montane areas throughout the world. Molecular phylogenies, including only a sample of the woody species in Begonia, indicated at least eight instances of a herbaceous-woody transition within the genus. Wood anatomical observations of the five woody species studied revealed protracted juvenilism that further support the secondary derived origin of wood within Begonia. To identify potential genes involved in shifts towards secondary woodiness, stem transcriptomes of wood development in B. burbidgei were analysed and compared with available transcriptome datasets for the non-woody B. venustra, B. conchifolia, and Arabidopsis, and with transcriptome datasets for wood development in Populus. Results identified a number of potential regulatory genes as well as variation in expression of key biosynthetic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]